Who was the first English explorer credited with exploring parts of North America?

John Cabot is recognized as the first English explorer credited with exploring parts of North America. He undertook his voyage in 1497 under the commission of King Henry VII of England. Cabot’s expeditions marked one of the earliest attempts by the English to explore and establish a presence in the New World, particularly along the northeastern coast, which is believed to include areas of modern-day Canada.

Cabot’s journey is significant as it laid the groundwork for later English claims in North America, leading to the eventual establishment of colonies. His mapping and exploration provided critical information on the geography and resources of the region, which would be vital for future explorers and settlers.

In contrast, the other explorers mentioned took part in different activities or explored different regions. Henry Hudson, for example, explored parts of the Northeast and Canada in the early 17th century, but he was not the first. Sir Francis Drake, primarily known for his circumnavigation of the globe and as a privateer, explored the west coast of North America later, while Walter Raleigh's efforts were more focused on attempts to establish colonies in Virginia much later in the late 16th century.